We are thrilled that the Marrian Foundation proudly hosted the poignant film "The Face of the Faceless" screening at the Athikode in Palakkad. This special event concluded our parish celebration on a truly meaningful note. The film beautifully chronicles the life of Sister Rani Maria, a courageous nun who dedicated her life to serving marginalised communities in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Her unwavering commitment to non-violence and social justice has made her a beacon of hope, igniting inspiration in all of us to challenge caste discrimination and systemic oppression. As the lights dimmed and the film began, Fr. VM Thomas SDB, the chairman of the advisory board of the Marrian Foundation, shared an insightful message and a brief overview. The evening was filled with emotion, as the film’s powerful and heart-wrenching scenes moved many audience members to tears. It served as a prompt for reflection on our roles in standing up against inequality and injustice. The Marrian Foundation is deeply committed to fostering awareness and inspiring social action, and we are grateful to everyone who attended and participated in this meaningful event. Together, let us continue to uphold the dignity of every individual and work toward a more just society.

What a memorable day it was on December 24th for 240 wonderful individuals in Kozhinjampara, Palakkad! Most attendees were excited children, joined by their enthusiastic parents and friends from the Marrian Foundation. This special gathering was the first joint celebration for the seven Marrian Study Centres (MSCs) in and around Kozhinjampara, making it a truly historic occasion. The adventure began with a delightful movie screening of “Amaran” at the Theatre in Kozhinjampara. For many of these children, it was their first time enjoying a film in an air-conditioned theatre, and they were thrilled to share the experience with friends and familiar faces. Mr John Benedict graciously welcomed everyone and shared the joyful purpose of the event: to celebrate a fantastic year together! After the movie, the festivities continued at Marrian Farms, where laughter and merriment filled the air. The children indulged in a scrumptious meal and explored the beautiful farm. Mr. John Benedict and a special guest led an engaging session with fun activities. The talented children showcased their creativity through vibrant dances, captivating songs, and lively skits in an engaging cultural program, ensuring that the afternoon was nothing short of delightful. As the day came to a close, hearts were filled with joy and laughter, leaving everyone with wonderful memories to cherish. What an incredible way to wrap up the year!

Our CSR Team connected with the local communities to understand their needs and foster meaningful relationships. This visit energised our mission to empower society through initiatives like the Marrian Farm Tour, Farm Volunteering in Marrian Farms, Sports Academy, Skill Academy and Defence Training Academy. Each project is designed to uplift individuals and provide valuable life-skill opportunities.

On October 30, 2024, the Marrian Foundation, supported by Marrian Infra, hosted a joyful Diwali celebration at St. Mary’s Convent Marian Nilaya with 70 attendees, including 40 children. The event featured inspiring talks from Dr Chaarlas and Sir John, who encouraged the children about dreams and the importance of education. A team-building activity allowed the children to share their aspirations, fostering camaraderie. The celebration concluded with fireworks, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. This memorable event strengthened community connections and will support the Nurture Project's initiatives for the children.

We are thrilled to update you on Lead Academy's ongoing efforts to develop strong leaders for today's complex environment. Our initiatives include month-long residential leadership training, short-term courses for new leaders, annual leadership awards, programs for students at various educational levels, and dedicated mentorship. Our first cohort of 41 participants recently completed a transformative month-long course designed in three phases. They engaged in practical experiences to apply their leadership skills, culminating on October 13, 2024. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to inspire the next generation of leaders!

We’re thrilled to share that John Benedict, the founder of the Marrian Foundation and proud alumnus of St. Paul’s English Medium School in Kozhinjampara, has stepped up to tackle the need for clean water! Marrian Foundation funded the installation of water purifiers at his beloved alma mater. These purifiers, offering refreshing regular and hot water, are set to make a remarkable difference for students and staff alike! This fantastic initiative is all about boosting the health and well-being of our local students by ensuring they have easy access to clean water. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

Celebrations bring joy to children's lives, and Marrian Study Centres hosted their own Children’s Day event for the Athikode and Veerampotta centres. Dr Tutu and Mr Sujit attended, motivating the children and judging competitions for different age groups: speech contests for classes 7-10, quizzes for grades 4-6, and drawing for the primary section. Prizes were awarded by the guests, including Mr. Alesu, who celebrated his birthday on November 12th. All children received gifts, and those with the best attendance were recognised. The day concluded with a festive cake-cutting.

The Marrian Foundation has established seven study centres in rural Palakkad to support high school and higher secondary students facing economic challenges. Over 70% of the students come from lower-income families, where parents often work as daily labourers. Each centre provides two hours of daily study assistance, focusing on academics and the student's physical, mental, moral, and emotional development. This initiative aims to empower youth and help them thrive in their education and communities.